Join Cruise Trade News as we take a tour around one of the most hotly anticipated vessels of 2024, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas

Locals, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see the vessel arrive in PortMiami, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a celebration at Pérez Art Museum.

The vessel, which is now the world’s biggest cruise ship and the first in the line’s new Icon class, has been described as the “travel industry’s first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation”.

It houses eight neighbourhoods, as they are known, five of which are new to the brand, including Thrill Island featuring Category 6 – the largest waterpark at sea – and Surfside, an area designed for young families.

Icon of the Seas to sail Caribbean itineraries following launch

Also new-to-brand is The AquaDome, which by day will be a “tranquil oasis” before transforming at night to a “vibrant place great for a night out”, with marquee aqua shows at the AquaTheatre.

Following its official debut on 27 January, Icon will sail seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, with each cruise including a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Football superstar Lionel Messi will help Royal name the vessel as its “icon”, more commonly known as godfather, later this month.